Controller (Restaurant Industry Experience Req'd)
TopShelf Talent Group, Irving, TX, United States
Our client is seeking an experienced and driven
Controller
to lead the finance and administration
functions across their three restaurant brands. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing accounting, purchasing, and HR operations, while personally owning all FP&A responsibilities. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong technical accounting skills, a strategic finance mindset, and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the fine dining and hospitality industry.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains individual contributors level staff in the department.
Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations.
Handles discipline and termination of team members in accordance with company policy.
Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities
Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling activities.
Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision‑making across the three brands.
Track and report on key performance metrics including labor, COGS, sales trends, and EBITDA.
Accounting & Compliance
Oversee all accounting operations including month‑end close, reconciliations, and internal controls.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and internal policies.
Manage relationships with external auditors and tax advisors.
Directly manage and develop the Accounting Manager, Purchasing Manager, and HR Manager.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across teams.
Purchasing & Cost Control
Guide purchasing strategy to optimize food and beverage costs without compromising quality.
Collaborate with culinary and operations leaders to manager inventory systems and vendor relationships.
People & Culture
Support HR oversight including payroll, benefits, compliance, and talent management.
Partner with operations and executive teams to ensure people processes align with brand values.
Systems & Tools
Maintain and improve financial systems, POS integrations, and reporting tools.
Evaluate and recommend tools that drive efficiency and financial transparency.
Strategic Financial Thinking: Able to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights and strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
Operational Acumen: Deep understanding of how finance connects with day‑to‑day restaurant operations, including labor planning, food cost control, and margin optimization.
Restaurant Systems Expertise: Extensive knowledge of Restaurant365 (R365), including financial reporting, AP, purchasing, inventory, and system administration; able to leverage the platform to improve reporting accuracy, operational visibility, and process efficiency.
Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop cross‑functional teams with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
Hands‑On Execution: Comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels — willing to roll up sleeves and personally execute critical FP&A functions.
Strong Communication Skills: Can communicate financial concepts clearly and effectively to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders, including chefs, operators, and owners.
Adaptability in a Fast‑Paced Environment: Thrives in a growth environment with evolving priorities, multiple brands, and dynamic leadership needs.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred)
8+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a multi‑unit restaurant environment
Experience in fine dining is required; exposure to fast‑casual or multi‑brand portfolios is a strong plus
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, cost controls, and hospitality‑specific metrics
Skilled in financial systems (QuickBooks, restaurant POS systems, inventory platforms, etc.)
Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage cross‑functional teams
Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
This position follows a hybrid schedule, currently requiring four days in‑office and one remote day per week. Candidates must be able to commute to our client's office location and, as needed, to local restaurant sites in the Dallas area. This schedule is subject to change based on business needs.
Work is primarily performed indoors in a professional office setting.
Occasionally exposed to moderate noise levels from standard office equipment.
May be required to work weekends or outside of normal business hours for special events or deadlines.
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Controller
to lead the finance and administration
functions across their three restaurant brands. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing accounting, purchasing, and HR operations, while personally owning all FP&A responsibilities. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong technical accounting skills, a strategic finance mindset, and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the fine dining and hospitality industry.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains individual contributors level staff in the department.
Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations.
Handles discipline and termination of team members in accordance with company policy.
Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities
Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling activities.
Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision‑making across the three brands.
Track and report on key performance metrics including labor, COGS, sales trends, and EBITDA.
Accounting & Compliance
Oversee all accounting operations including month‑end close, reconciliations, and internal controls.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and internal policies.
Manage relationships with external auditors and tax advisors.
Directly manage and develop the Accounting Manager, Purchasing Manager, and HR Manager.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across teams.
Purchasing & Cost Control
Guide purchasing strategy to optimize food and beverage costs without compromising quality.
Collaborate with culinary and operations leaders to manager inventory systems and vendor relationships.
People & Culture
Support HR oversight including payroll, benefits, compliance, and talent management.
Partner with operations and executive teams to ensure people processes align with brand values.
Systems & Tools
Maintain and improve financial systems, POS integrations, and reporting tools.
Evaluate and recommend tools that drive efficiency and financial transparency.
Strategic Financial Thinking: Able to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights and strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
Operational Acumen: Deep understanding of how finance connects with day‑to‑day restaurant operations, including labor planning, food cost control, and margin optimization.
Restaurant Systems Expertise: Extensive knowledge of Restaurant365 (R365), including financial reporting, AP, purchasing, inventory, and system administration; able to leverage the platform to improve reporting accuracy, operational visibility, and process efficiency.
Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop cross‑functional teams with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
Hands‑On Execution: Comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels — willing to roll up sleeves and personally execute critical FP&A functions.
Strong Communication Skills: Can communicate financial concepts clearly and effectively to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders, including chefs, operators, and owners.
Adaptability in a Fast‑Paced Environment: Thrives in a growth environment with evolving priorities, multiple brands, and dynamic leadership needs.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred)
8+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a multi‑unit restaurant environment
Experience in fine dining is required; exposure to fast‑casual or multi‑brand portfolios is a strong plus
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, cost controls, and hospitality‑specific metrics
Skilled in financial systems (QuickBooks, restaurant POS systems, inventory platforms, etc.)
Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage cross‑functional teams
Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
This position follows a hybrid schedule, currently requiring four days in‑office and one remote day per week. Candidates must be able to commute to our client's office location and, as needed, to local restaurant sites in the Dallas area. This schedule is subject to change based on business needs.
Work is primarily performed indoors in a professional office setting.
Occasionally exposed to moderate noise levels from standard office equipment.
May be required to work weekends or outside of normal business hours for special events or deadlines.
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